Browns notes: Record-tying performance just part of Edwards' progress

BEREA - Coach Romeo Crennel isn`t one to pile on the praise, so he must be impressed that receiver Braylon Edwards tied Gary Collins` 44-year-old franchise record with 13 touchdown catches in a season.

Edwards caught a 4-yarder Sunday in a 24-18 win over the Jets.

"It`s a good statement for the Browns, that now we have acquired some players who can live up to the Browns legacy," Crennel said Monday. "In the past they have had some good players play for Cleveland. To have a guy be able to tie a record, that says a lot about his ability.

"It also says a lot about his maturity. He is trying to concentrate more on football and be the best football player he can be. That started at the beginning of the season and that has shown in his play and how he has been able to produce this year."

Edwards made some headlines last year for his off-the-field antics, but has walked a straight line this year. His performance on the field has also improved, as he`s set career highs in catches (65), yards (1,106) and touchdowns.

"It feels good," Edwards said Sunday of tying Collins` record. "You look at the guys who have played here - the Paul Warfields and Gary Collinses and Webster Slaughters and Ozzie Newsomes - and to tie the all-time record for touchdowns in a season means a lot."

Edwards shared the credit with his teammates.

"It`s an individual record, but it was really a team accomplishment," he said. "Whether it be D.A. (quarterback Derek Anderson) stepping in to make some throws or Jamal (Lewis) running the ball and causing the defense to come down or people fearing Kellen (Winslow), everyone contributed."

DOWN WITH THE SUB

The Jets finished with 119 rushing yards on 30 carries, including 106 on 24 rushes by Thomas Jones. Crennel attributed the Jets` success to the Browns` defensive package in the fourth quarter, when they used five or six defensive backs much of the time.

"When our sub defense was on the field we gave up some rushing yardage that kind of skewed the figures in the game," he said. "We were playing the pass because we were ahead in the game, thinking they have to pass. They were running. Not that you can excuse it, but that`s what was happening."

The Jets had nine rushes for 66 yards in the fourth quarter, when they gained 175 of their 387 yards.

INJURY REPORT

Pass-rushing outside linebacker Antwan Peek was the only Brown injured during the game, according to Crennel. Peek said he suffered a high ankle sprain and could miss a few weeks.